Rejecting literal readings of what we insist is only a myth, we look to nature and religions close to the earth for alternative stories of the season. Explaining away troublesome details—the empty tomb, Jesus' appearance to the women and the disciples—we tell a story that appeals to reason.

The light green shoots of blossoms-to-have-been are out of sight under the drifting snow. Gale force winds are rattling the old house. The temperature is far below freezing. Nature is not cooperating with preparations for Easter. The storm evokes the spiritual quality of Good Friday more than...

Dear God: Good Friday is gone—a dark day on the calendar, A time of suffering—with more losses than gains, And more pain than we thought we could bear. We are tired of crying, We are tired of burying, We are tired of mourning. But Easter is here—and we who survived are prepared For the turning...

The stone has got to be rolled back from the tomb again and again every year. Roll up your sleeves. He is not coming back, you know....

Spirit of Life, How easy it is to speak your name and offer this prayer at this season of re-birth and renewal!! The spirit of life is everywhere, evident in each new bud and shoot. We pray that our lives may be blessed with that same renewal we see all around us in nature's annual celebration....

Spirit of life, we come together this Easter morning to rejoice in the ongoing song of life that is within us and around us....

Spirit of life, we come together this Easter morning to rejoice in your ongoing creation around us and within us. We come to rejoice, but we come with burdens of sorrow and pain, of shame and fear, of false obligation and false pride. On this Easter morning may we discover a joyous and courageous...

Loving God, We gather today in humility, Awed by the stone rolled back; And the surprise of the empty tomb. We gather in defiance Of the pain and the injustice that came before; And of the pain and injustice that will likely come again. We gather in hope That life can begin anew; That our...

Somewhere across the world,...

We listen to the wisdom of our inner hearts and minds as we join in meditation.

Eternal spirit, we witness bringing green growth throwing out tiny tendrils seeking support; sprouting thin twigs reaching for the bright golden sun; guiding new tubers seeking water in dark, sandy soil, Be in and amongst us this Easter morning. We gather this morning to celebrate the triumph of...